Audio video system

ABSTRACT

An AV system requiring the setting of only the apparatus that acts as the AV center of the system when the system configuration is to be modified. The apparatus desired to be used as the new AV center issues a command to the existing AV center instructing it to become a sub AV center.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to an audio video (AV) system.

2. Description of the Related Art

Conventional audio video (AV) systems are each composed of a video andan audio system. The video system includes a plurality of AV apparatusessuch as a television (TV) set, a video tape recorder (VTR) and a laserdisc player (LDP). The audio system comprises a plurality of AVapparatuses such as an amplifier, a tape recorder and a compact discplayer. The video and the audio systems each have an apparatus called anAV center.

In conventional AV systems of the above constitution, connecting theaudio system with the video system without proper arrangementstherebetween leaves the two AV centers operating on their own. Theresult can be conflict between the two AV centers.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

It is therefore an object of the present invention to overcome the aboveand other deficiencies and disadvantages of the prior art and to providean AV system that operates normally when any apparatus in the audiosystem is connected to any apparatus in the video system.

It is another object of the invention to provide an AV system which,when the system configuration is to be modified, requires setting onlythe apparatus that acts as the AV center of the system.

It is a further object of the invention to provide an AV system which,with a limited storage capacity, allows the previous features to beexecuted unchanged after a new system configuration is completed.

It is an even further object of the invention to provide an AV systemallowing a sub AV center to execute the features of the system even ifthat center does not possess system configuration information about theentire system.

In carrying out the invention and according to one aspect thereof, thereis provided an audio video system with a bus line arrangement comprisinga main control apparatus and a sub control apparatus. The main controlapparatus includes: a first main control member for controlling theoperation of a first video apparatus; a first sub control member forcontrolling the operation of an other apparatus through an external busline controlled by the first main control member; a first memory memberfor storing a program for controlling the first main control memberand/or the first sub control member; a display member for displaying thestatus of the first audio video apparatus and/or a command ordered by auser; a selector for selecting an audio and/or video signal suppliedfrom an other apparatus; and a clock member for generating a clocksignal for the operation of the first main control member and/or the subcontrol member. The sub control apparatus comprises: a second maincontrol member for controlling the operation of a second audio videoapparatus; a second sub control member for controlling the communicationto and from an other apparatus and/or the main control apparatus throughan external bus line controlled by the second main control member; and asecond memory member for storing a program for controlling the secondmain control member and/or the second sub control member.

According to another aspect of the invention, there is provided a methodof avoiding the conflict of controllers comprising the steps of:questioning a user whether a target apparatus is to be set as a masterapparatus of a system to receive an answer; if the answer is negative,setting the target apparatus as a sub master apparatus; and if theanswer is affirmative, executing a checking procedure.

Other objects, features and advantages of the present invention willbecome apparent in the following specification and accompanyingdrawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a block diagram of an AV system embodying the presentinvention;

FIG. 2 is a view of typical system configuration information pointed toby a system information pointer (SIP) in a ROM 5A;

FIG. 3 is a view of another typical system configuration informationpointed to by the SIP in the ROM 5A;

FIG. 4 is a view of another typical system configuration informationpointed to by the SIP in the ROM 5A;

FIG. 5 is a block diagram of an AV system comprising a plurality ofaudio apparatuses;

FIG. 6 is a block diagram of an AV system that adds a television (TV)set, a video tape recorder (VTR) and a laser disc player (LDP) to the AVsystem of FIG. 5;

FIG. 7 is a block diagram of another AV system that adds a TV set, a VTRand an LDP to the AV system of FIG. 5;

FIG. 9 is a flowchart of steps for setting a system configuration;

FIG. 9 is a flowchart of steps for setting an AV center using a sub AVcenter in such a manner that the entire system is set up simply;

FIG. 10 is a flowchart of steps for setting a system configurationcentering on the main AV center using a sub AV center in such a mannerthat the entire system is set up simply;

FIG. 11 is a flowchart of steps for setting an AV center;

FIG. 12 is a flowchart of steps for keeping selected systemconfiguration information unchanged;

FIG. 13 is a set of views showing typical displays that allow the userto set a system configuration with ease;

FIG. 14 is a flowchart of steps for dealing with the transition frommain power-off to main power-on status;

FIG. 15 is a view depicting how the SIP and IHP (inhibit plug bit)settings are typically used;

FIG. 16 is a flowchart of steps for setting an AV center in another way;

FIG. 17 is a view showing an example of SIP settings;

FIG. 18 is a view showing another example of SIP settings;

FIG. 19 is a view showing another example of SIP settings;

FIG. 20 is a view showing another example of SIP settings;

FIG. 21 is a view of typical AV system configurations;

FIG. 22 is a view of other AV system configurations;

FIG. 23 is a view of other AV system configurations;

FIG. 24 is a view of other AV system configurations;

FIG. 25 is a view of other AV system configurations;

FIG. 26 is a view of other AV system configurations;

FIG. 27 is a view depicting another example of SIP settings;

FIG. 28 is a view depicting another example of SIP settings;

FIG. 29 is a view depicting another example of SIP settings; and

FIG. 30 is a view depicting another example of SIP settings.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a typical AV system that embodies thepresent invention. Pressing the control button 1 enters appropriatecommands to a CPU 4 through an interface 3 and over an internal bus 20.Likewise, operating a remote controller 12 causes it to emit infraredrays that are received by a receiver 2. Given the infrared rays, thereceiver 2 transmits commands accordingly to the CPU 4 via the interface3 and internal bus 20.

Through the internal bus 20, the CPU 4 is connected to the interface 3,a program ROM 5, a system configuration information ROM 5A, a RAM 6, asystem information pointer (SIP) memory 6A, a difference informationmemory 6B, an inhibit plug bit (IHP) memory 6C, a non-volatile memory 7,a clock timer 8, a micro controller 9 for D2B communication protocol, atuner 11, a screen display IC 14, and a selector 18.

On receiving the input commands, the CPU 4 executes processing ofdiverse kinds such as sending a tuning instruction to the tuner 11 andoutputting commands to the micro controller 9 for D2B communicationprotocol.

The program ROM stores programs needed for the CPU 4 to operate. The RAM6 stores data obtained from the processing of the CPU 4. Thenon-volatile memory 7 retains data that needs to be kept intact afterpower is removed, such as the connection status involving other AVapparatuses (e.g., a first video tape recorder (VTR) 30, a second VTR 40and a laser disc player (LDP) 50). The clock timer 8 maintains timing bycontinuously generating clock information.

The system configuration information ROM 5A stores a plurality of piecesof information about predetermined configurations involving such AVapparatuses as a TV set 100, the VTR's 30 and 40, and the LDP 50. TheSIP memory 6A stores the SIP that points to one of the predeterminedconfigurations held in the ROM 5A. FIGS. 2, 3 and 4 show informationabout three typical system configurations pointed to by the SIP in theROM 5A. The information shown in FIG. 3 includes a pointer to a sub TVcenter information table; the information given in FIG. 4 comprises apointer to a lower layer SIP.

The difference information memory 6B is a RAM that stores differencesbetween the system configurations held in the system configurationinformation ROM 5A on the one hand, and a desired system configurationon the other. The IHP memory 6C is a RAM that stores inhibit pluginformation indicating the inhibited plugs for the AV apparatuses suchas the TV set 100, VTR's 30 and 40, and LDP 50. The RAM 6, SIP memory6A, difference information memory 6B and IHP memory 6C may beconstituted by a single RAM.

The micro controller 9 for D2B communication protocol is in starconnection with the AV apparatuses such as the first VTR 30, second VTR40 and LDP 50 via a D2B communication protocol IC 10 and D2B bus, i.e.,through D2B control lines 21A, 21B and 21C. The micro controller 9 inthis setup exchanges data and commands with the apparatuses connectedthereto. In the embodiment of FIG. 1, as outlined, the TV set 100 actingas the AV center 100 is surrounded by the other AV apparatuses. The AVcenter 100 controls the information about the entire systemconfiguration.

The first VTR 30 is connected to a terminal T1 of a selector 18 via anAV signal line 31. Video and audio signals are exchanged between thefirst VTR 30 and the selector 18. The second VTR 40 is connected to aterminal T2 of the selector 18 via an AV signal line 41. Video and audiosignals are exchanged likewise between the second VTR 40 and theselector 18. The LDP 50 is connected to a terminal T3 of the selector 18via an AV signal line 51, exchanging video and audio signals with theselector. The video and audio signals to be output by the selector 18are determined by the CPU 4 or by the micro controller 9.

A CRT (cathode ray tube) 13 displays pictures represented by the videosignal output from the selector 18. Given OSD (on-screen display) datafrom the micro controller 9 over the internal bus 20, the screen displayIC 14 displays the data as a message in a predetermined area on the CRT13. The audio signal output by the selector 18 is reproduced by aspeaker 19.

As shown in FIG. 1, the TV set 100, acting as the AV center, comprisesthe control button 1, receiver 2, interface 3, CPU 4, program ROM 5,system configuration information ROM 5A, RAM 6, SIP memory 6A,difference information memory 6B, IHP memory 6C, non-volatile memory 7,clock timer 8, micro controller 9 for D2B communication protocol, D2Bcommunication protocol IC 10, CRT 13, screen display IC 14, tuner 11,selector 18, and speaker 19.

The first VTR 30, the second VTR 40 and the LDP 50 have a microcontroller for D2B communication protocol and a D2B communicationprotocol IC each. These components exchange commands and OSD data viathe D2B control line 21.

FIG. 5 is a block diagram of a typical AV system comprising a pluralityof audio apparatuses. In this example, an AV amplifier 200 acts as theAV center to which a tape recorder 210 and a compact disc player 220 areconnected.

FIG. 6 is a block diagram of an AV system that adds a TV set, a VTR andan LDP to the AV system of FIG. 5. In this example, the TV set 100 actsas the AV center to which the VTR 30 and LDP 50 are connected; the AVamplifier 200 works as a sub AV center to which the AV center 100 (i.e.,TV set) is connected. The sub AV center stores internally theinformation about the apparatuses connected direct thereto (i.e., firstlayer). The features implemented between the apparatuses connecteddirect to the sub AV center may be executed without the use of theinformation held in the sub AV center that is provided hierarchicallyupward.

FIG. 7 is a block diagram of another AV system that adds a TV set, a VTRand an LDP to the AV system of FIG. 5. In this example, the AV amplifier200 is used as the AV center to which the TV set 100 is connected as thesub AV center. The VTR 30 and LDP 50 are connected to the TV set 100.

FIG. 8 provides a flowchart of typical steps for setting a systemconfiguration. Initially, the micro controller 9 for D2B communicationprotocol causes the screen display IC 14 to display a menu or messageson the CRT 13, thereby asking the user about the apparatuses desired tobe connected to the TV 100 that is the AV center, i.e., the apparatus upto the first layer (step S1). Specifically, the micro controller 9 asksthe user how many VTR's, LDP's, etc. are to be connected. The user isfurther asked if any other AV center is desired to be connected. Theanswers given by the user via the remote controller 12 or the like areplaced into memories B1, B2, . . . BN.

Based on the contents of the memories B1, B2, . . . BN, the microcontroller 9 then selects an actual SIP for temporary storage into theSIP memory 6A, sets an IHP for each unused plug, places the IHP settingsin the IHP memory 6C temporarily, and stores the SIP and IHP settings inthe non-volatile memory 7 (step S2). This completes the setting of thesystem configuration on the first layer.

The micro controller 9 goes on to set the system configuration on thesecond layer. That is, the micro controller 9 causes the screen displayIC 14 to display a menu or messages on the CRT 13, asking the user aboutmore apparatuses desired to be connected to the apparatuses which arealready connected to the AV center 100, i.e., the apparatuses on thesecond layer (step S3). Specifically, the micro controller 9 asks theuser the type and the number of apparatuses desired to be connected tothe first VTR, second VTR, etc. The answers given by the user via theremote controller 12 or the like are placed into memories A1, A2, A3,A4, etc.

Next, the micro controller 9 checks to see if a system configuration isalready set in the sub AV center (step S4). If the configuration settingis already made, step S6 is reached. If the configuration setting hasyet to be made, step S5 is reached.

In step S5, the micro controller 9 causes the screen display IC 14 todisplay a menu or messages on the CRT 13, thereby asking the user thetype and the number of apparatuses desired to be connected to the sub AVcenter. The answers given by the user via the remote controller 12 orthe like are placed into memories C1, C2, etc. Based on the contents ofthe memories C1, C2, etc., the micro controller 9 then selects the SIPof the sub AV center for temporary storage into the SIP memory 6A, setsan IHP for each unused plug, places the IHP settings in the IHP memory6C temporarily, stores the SIP and IHP settings in the non-volatilememory 7, and transmits the SIP and IHP settings to the sub AV center.

In step S6, the micro controller 9 selectively establishes the SIP andIHP settings according to the contents of the memories B1, B2, . . . ,A1, A2, etc. The micro controller 9 then checks to see if the systemconfiguration designated by the user coincides with any of thepredetermined system configurations about which the information isstored in the ROM 5A (step S7). If the designated system configurationdoes not correspond to any predetermined system configuration, the microcontroller 9 checks to see if the differences between the user-designatesystem configuration and the predetermined system configurations arestored in the difference information memory 6B (step S8). If the resultof the check in step S8 is affirmative, the content of the differenceinformation memory 6B is placed in the non-volatile memory 7 (step S9).If the appropriate difference information is not found in the differenceinformation memory 6B ("NO" in step S8), the micro controller 9 causesthe screen display IC 14 to display on the CRT 13 an indication of theunavailability of the system configuration setting, whereby the user isprompted to make another configuration setting (step S10). If the usermakes another setting ("YES" in step S11), the micro controller 9returns to the start of the flowchart in FIG. 9. If no further settingis to be made, the micro controller 9 terminates its processing.

If the user-designated system configuration coincides with one of thepredetermined system configurations ("YES" in step S7), step S12 isreached. Step S12 is also reached if the appropriate differenceinformation is found (step S8) and placed into the non-volatile memory 7(step S9). In step S12, the information indicating that the SIP and IHPare set is established. With step S12 completed, support informationabout connecting the actual AV signal/bus signal control lines isprovided (step S13). After being established, the system configurationis verified (step S14). Specifically, a check is made through the buscontrol lines to see if all the designated apparatuses are configured.Whether or not the plug connections are correct is confirmed by havingthe AV signals from the individual apparatuses detected and displayed onthe screen.

According to the steps in FIG. 8, the system configuration is selectedon each of individual layers. It is easy for the user to make arelatively small number of choices on each layer. Because the SIP of theAV center and that of the lower layer are used for configurationcontrol, the entire system configuration is controlled using less datain the initial setup than in conventional setups in which theconfiguration information is handled without being layered.

If the desired configuration on the second layer is found to coincidewith one of the predetermined system configurations (i.e., existing SIPsettings), the flag information designated by the SIP in the ROM isutilized (e.g., SIP No. 8, SIP No. 9, etc.). If the desiredconfiguration does not correspond to any of the predeterminedconfigurations, the appropriate difference information is stored in thenon-volatile memory 7. This situation may occur where the AV center hasfewer plugs than are required for the user-designated configuration.Configuring the system can be considerably simplified if the differenceinformation is not stored, i.e., if the system is configured within therange of apparatus combinations involving the AV center and a single subAV center, the combinations being represented by the SIP and IHPsettings alone.

In conventional AV systems, each component apparatus has informationonly about the apparatuses connected immediately thereto. The result isthe conventional control of information about all component apparatuseson a single layer. If any one of the features (e.g., push-to-startplayback) is to be carried out, the particular apparatus that executesthe feature is required to complete the necessary connection throughoutthe system. With each component apparatus possessing information onlyabout its directly connected apparatuses, it may happen that the targetapparatus that executes a particular feature is remote from thoseimmediately adjacent to the apparatus that requests that feature to becarried out. In that case, it is necessary to transmit a connectioninstruction from one apparatus to the next through the system until thetarget apparatus is reached.

Unlike conventional setups, the AV system embodying the invention doesnot adopt a distributed architecture. That is, the AV system centers onits AV center that retains information about the entire systemconfiguration. When a particular feature is to be carried out, thesystem of the present invention sets the connection between thecomponent apparatuses without forwarding the connection instruction overthe bus all the way to the target apparatus.

However, taking on control over the system configuration information inthe above setup can become unduly burdensome on the AV center. Thisbottleneck is bypassed by use of SIP settings for system configurationcontrol. Since permitting indefinite variations of system configurationposes inordinate strains on the storage and control capabilities of theAV center, it is desirable to limit the configured apparatuses to apractical number of layers so as to keep system characteristics inoptimum balance (i.e., throughput, data quantity, and a controllablenumber of configured apparatuses).

More specifically, predetermined system configurations (represented bythe SIP settings) should preferably be limited to two layers. A largenumber of AV plugs should preferably be furnished to the AV center sothat the configured apparatuses will be confined to the first layer asmuch as possible, with the configuration designated by the SIP. Forsystem expansion, there should preferably be provided predeterminedsystem configurations to choose from, each of them including one sub AVcenter.

When the user desires a system configuration comprising a sub AV center,the value of the pointer to a sub AV center plug connection informationtable is to be defined in POINTER TO EXT-AUXILIARY AV CENTER INFORMATIONTABLE of the system configuration information provided in basic SIPsettings, as shown in FIGS. 3 and 4.

FIG. 9 is a flowchart of steps for setting an AV center using a sub AVcenter in such a manner that the entire system is set up simply.Initially, the micro controller for D2B communication protocol of thesub AV center displays a menu or messages asking the user to designatethe type and the number of apparatuses to be connected to the sub AVcenter. The answers given by the user are stored in the memories B1, B2,. . . (step S21).

Based on the contents of the memories B1, B2, etc., the micro controllerthen selects an actual SIP for temporary storage into the SIP memory,sets an IHP for each unused plug, places the IHP settings in the IHPmemory temporarily, and stores the SIP and IHP settings in thenon-volatile memory to complete the setting of the system configuration(step S22).

Next, the micro control for D2B communication protocol checks todetermine if the system configuration designated by the user coincideswith any of the predetermined system configurations (step S23). If thedesignated system configuration does not correspond to any predeterminedsystem configuration, the micro controller checks to determine ifanother configuration setting is desired (step S24). If the user wantsto make another setting ("YES" in step S24), the micro controllerreturns to the start of the flowchart in FIG. 10. If no further settingis to be made, the micro controller terminates its processing bydisplaying the unavailability of system configuration setting (stepS25).

If the user-designated system configuration coincides with one of thepredetermined system configurations ("YES" in step S23), the informationindicating that the SIP and IHP are set is established (step S26). Withstep S26 completed, support information about connecting the actual AVsignal/bus signal control lines is provided (step S27). After beingestablished, the system configuration is verified (step S28).Specifically, a check is made through the bus to determine if all thedesignated apparatuses are configured. Whether or not the plugconnections are correct is confirmed by having the AV signals from theindividual apparatuses detected and displayed on the screen.

FIG. 11 provides flowchart of steps for setting a system configurationcentering on the main AV center using a sub AV center in such a mannerthat the entire system is set up simply. The micro controller 9 for D2Bcommunication protocol causes the screen display IC 14 to display a menuor messages on the CRT 13 asking the user about the apparatuses desiredto be connected to the TV set 100 which acts as the AV center (stepS31). Specifically, the user is asked to designate how many VTR's,LDP's, etc. are to be connected. The user is further asked if a sub AVcenter is desired to be connected. The user's answers given through theremote controller 12 or the like are stored in the memories B1, B2, . .. BZ.

Based on the contents of the memories B1, B2, . . . BZ, the microcontroller 9 selects an actual SIP for temporary storage into the SIPmemory 6A, sets an IHP for each unused plug, places the IHP settings inthe IHP memory 6C temporarily, and stores the SIP and IHP settings inthe non-volatile memory 7 (step S32). The micro controller 9 then causesthe screen display IC 14 to display the established system configurationon the CRT 13 (step S33).

If the user makes an entry indicating that the desired systemconfiguration is the same as the displayed configuration ("YES" in step34), the micro controller 9 for D2B communication protocol checks viathe D2B bus to see if a system configuration is already set in the subAV center (step S35). If a system configuration is found to be set inthe sub AV center, step S38 is reached immediately. If a systemconfiguration has yet to be set in the sub AV center, step S37 isreached.

In step S37, the micro controller 9 for D2B communication protocolcauses the screen display IC 14 to display a menu or messages on the CRT13 asking the user the type and the number of apparatuses desired to beconnected to the sub AV center. The answers given by the user throughthe remote controller 12 or the like are stored in the memories C1, C2,etc. Based on the contents of the memories C1, C2, etc., the microcontroller 9 then selects the SIP for temporary storage into the SIPmemory 6A, sets an IHP for each unused plug, places the IHP settings inthe IHP memory 6C temporarily, stores the SIP and IHP settings in thenon-volatile memory 7, and transmits the SIP and IHP settings to the subAV center.

In step S38, the micro controller 9 prepares in the RAM 6 the systemconfiguration information based on the SIP and IHP settings in effect inthe AV center, and prepares also in the RAM 6 the system configurationinformation in effect in the sub AV center. In step S39, supportinformation about connecting the actual AV signal/bus signal controllines is provided. After being established, the system configuration isverified (step S40). Specifically, a check is made through the bus todetermine if all the designated apparatuses are configured. Whether ornot the plug connections are correct is confirmed by having the AVsignals from the individual apparatuses detected and displayed on thescreen.

Adopting a system configuration involving a sub AV center eliminates theneed for discarding the previously used system configuration to makeanother configuration setting all over again from the beginning. A newlyadded system may be established upwards of the existing system (in thiscase, the new system is used as the AV center and the existing system asthe sub AV center). Alternatively, the new system may be establisheddownwards of the existing system (in this case, the new system is usedas the sub AV center and the existing system as the AV center).Illustratively, of the SIP values set in the AV center, those with 1'sin the hundred's place denote the system configurations which,represented initially by the ten's and the unit's places, aresupplemented by one sub AV center each.

When the user includes a sub AV center in the desired systemconfiguration, that sub AV center should preferably be one which allowsthe SIP to be set and to which apparatuses of one layer are allowed tobe connected. When the presence of a sub AV center is designated duringthe setting of the AV center, an SIP value higher than, say, 100 may beestablished accordingly. Where both the SIP and the IHP are used, theSIP may illustratively be assigned from the beginning to values higherthan 100; the defined SIP values lower than 100 may be allocated toother system configurations.

FIG. 11 provides flowchart of steps for setting an AV center. Theprecondition for the AV center to be set is that the subordinateapparatuses including the sub AV center be connected to the AV bus andthat the communication-related parts of these apparatuses be turned on.Initially, the micro controller 9 for D2B communication protocol of theapparatus in question displays a menu or messages asking the userwhether or not to set the current apparatus as the AV center (step S51).If the user decides not to set the apparatus as the AV center, the microcontroller 9 thereof displays a menu or messages asking the user whetheror not to set the apparatus as a sub AV center (step S52). If the userdecides not to set the apparatus as a sub AV center, the microcontroller 9 terminates its processing. If the user decides to set theapparatus as a sub AV center, the micro controller 9 goes to theprocessing of FIG. 9.

If the user designates that the apparatus is to be set as the AV centerin step S51, the micro controller 9 for D2B communication protocol ofthat apparatus checks to determine if any other apparatus within thesystem is already set as the AV center (step S53). Specifically, themicro controller 9 transmits a dummy command to address 1C8H (i.e.,address of the AV center) to determine if a transmission error occurs.If the error does occur, that confirms the absence of any other AVcenter within the system.

If another AV center does exist in the system ("YES" in step S54), themicro controller 9 checks to determine if there exists a sub AV center(i.e., apparatus having address 1C9H) in step S55. If the sub AV centerdoes exist ("YES" in step S56), a warning indication appears on thescreen (step S57).

If no sub AV center is found to exist in step S56, the micro controller9 sends a command in step S58 to the apparatus having address 1C8H (AVcenter) instructing it to become a sub AV center (having address 1C9H).

If no other AV center is found to exist ("NO" in step S54), or afterstep S58 is completed, step S59 is reached. In step S59, the microcontroller 9 prompts the user to input a desired system configuration,and sets the SIP and IHP according to the configuration entered. Withstep S59 completed, the micro controller 9 for D2B communicationprotocol sets the address of the apparatus in question for 1C8H so thatit acts as the AV center (step S60). The micro controller 9 then checksto determine if a sub AV center exists in the system (step S61).Specifically, a dummy command is sent to address 1C9H to determine if atransmission error occurs. If the error does occur, that confirms theabsence of any apparatus having that address (i.e., sub AV center)within the system. When the presence of the sub AV center is confirmed,the micro controller of the AV center, i.e., the apparatus in question,retains the information about the sub AV center for use in setting thesystem configuration (step S62). After it is determined whether or notthe sub AV center exists within the bus-connected system, the microcontroller finalizes the SIP and IHP of the AV center (step S63).

If the sub AV center exists, the micro controller of the apparatus inquestion (i.e., AV center) retrieves the SIP and IHP settings from thatsub AV center (step S64). Based on the retrieved SIP and IHP settingsand on those in the AV center, the micro controller prepares plug tableinformation about the entire system in a work area (step S65).

FIG. 12 provides flowchart of steps for keeping selected systemconfiguration information unchanged. In step S71, the micro controller 9for D2B communication protocol causes the screen display IC 14 todisplay a menu or messages on the CRT 13 asking the user about theapparatuses desired to be connected to the TV set 100 acting as the AVcenter (i.e., apparatuses on the first layer). Specifically, the user isasked to designate how many VTR's, LDP's, etc. are to be connected. Theuser is further asked if a sub AV center is desired to be connected. Theuser's answers given through the remote controller 12 or the like arestored in the memories B1, B2, . . . BZ.

Based on the contents of the memories B1, B2, . . . BZ, the microcontroller 9 selects an actual system configuration for storage intomemory (step S72). This completes the setting of the systemconfiguration on the first layer.

The micro controller 9 goes on to set the system configuration on thesecond layer. That is, the micro controller 9 causes the screen displayIC 14 to display a menu or messages on the CRT 13 asking the user aboutmore apparatuses desired to be connected to the apparatuses which arealready connected to the AV center 100, i.e., the apparatuses on thesecond layer (step S73). Specifically, the micro controller 9 asks theuser the type and the number of apparatuses desired to be connected tothe first VTR, second VTR, etc. The answers given by the user via theremote controller 12 or the like are placed into the memories A1, A2,A3, A4, etc.

The micro controller 9 then checks to determine if a systemconfiguration is already set in the sub AV center (step S74). If theconfiguration setting is already made, step S76 is reached. If theconfiguration setting has yet to be made, step S75 is reached.

In step S75, the micro controller 9 causes the screen display IC 14 todisplay a menu or messages on the CRT 13, thereby asking the user thetype and the number of apparatuses desired to be connected to the sub AVcenter. The answers given by the user via the remote controller 12 orthe like are placed into the memories C1, C2, etc. Based on the contentsof the memories C1, C2, etc., the micro controller 9 then sets thesystem configuration of the sub AV center, and transmits the systemconfiguration information to the sub AV center.

In step S76, the micro controller 9 sets the system configurationinformation according to the contents of the memories A1, A2, A3, A4,etc. The micro controller 9 then furnishes support information aboutconnecting the actual AV signal/bus signal control lines (step S77).After being established, the system configuration is verified (stepS78).

If the names of the apparatuses connected to the AV plugs of theapparatus in question as well as the numbers of these AV plugs werestored unmodified in memory, i.e., as entered in FIGS 12, the data couldtake up a considerable space in memory. The arrangement would be costly,particularly if a non-volatile memory (NVRAM) is used for recovery ofthe system configuration information from removal of power.

According to the invention, the required capacity of the non-volatilememory is minimized by use of a limited amount of information. Thescheme involves controlling the overall system configuration informationbased on the differences between SIP's to predetermined systemconfiguration information on the one hand, and the actually desiredsystem configuration on the other.

Under the scheme of the present invention, only a minimum capacity ofthe non-volatile memory is needed in cases where any one of thepredetermined system configurations represents the desiredconfiguration. It should be noted that the scheme requires allocating anNVRAM area in which to accommodate information about the presence orabsence of difference information, as well as an NVRAM area in which tostore the difference information.

In order to set the SIP and to select the IHP, the following menus needonly be displayed consecutively to let the user select information aboutthe desired system configuration:

"Do you want to connect VTR's?" (YES/NO) "If you do, how many VTR's?"(1, 2, 3, etc.)

"Do you want to connect LDP's?" (YES/NO)

"Do you want to connect AAMP's (audio amplifiers)?" (YES/NO)

"Do you want to connect VTU's (video tuners)?" (YES/NO)

If the AV center (TV set) has numerous plugs, it is relatively easy forthe user to configure desired apparatuses. This is because the AV centerplugs accommodate all apparatuses configured and there is no need toconsider connecting more apparatuses on lower layers. During theselection process, a schematic view representing the actual systemconfiguration may be displayed on the screen. This allows the user tomake the selection with ease.

If there is any apparatus to be configured on a lower layer, the userresponds to the interrogatory menu asking about the apparatuses to beconnected downward following the entry of "YES" or "NO" in the menu. Inresponse to the question(s) of the menu, the user selects a desiredapparatus(es) for the lower layer. If the downward apparatus to beselected is a sub AV center, the selection process should follow the AVcenter setting menu.

The user is initially requested to designate the number of apparatusesto be connected to the AV center. If all plugs attached to the AV centerfail to accommodate the designated apparatuses, the system displays aschematic view of a second-layer configuration allowing the user to makealternative connection.

FIG. 13 is a set of views showing typical displays that allow the userto set a desired system configuration easily. At the start ofinitialization, the micro controller for D2B communication protocolprovides the display of FIG. 13(a). In this view, the cursor ispositioned on the leftmost "VTR" indication. In this state, the user isasked to push a SELECT key. Pushing the SELECT key switches the leftmostposition display, with the cursor remaining in that position, from theVTR to an LDP to a SUB AV CENTER, etc. After the setting in the leftmostposition is completed, the cursor is moved right one position ("VTR"closer to the display center in this case). Then the SELECT key isoperated likewise to select the LDP, SUB AV CENTER, etc., in thatposition.

The settings for the sub AV center may be made on the sub AV centerside. Alternatively, these settings may be entered into the screen ofFIG. 13(a) and transmitted later to the sub AV center.

If the settings for the sub AV center are to be made in the screen ofFIG. 13(a), it is necessary to call up on the screen a sub AV centersetting screen such as one shown in FIG. 13(b). The steps to followthereafter are the same as those described above. When established, theinformation is transferred to the sub AV center. Because transmittingthe established information updates the system configuration informationcurrently in effect in the sub AV center, the user might want to verifyif the existing system configuration information can be updated beforetransferring the information to the sub AV center.

When the setting of the system configuration on the second layer isselected, the screen of FIG. 13(a) is replaced by that of FIG. 13(b).The user then sets, say, an LDP or LDP's in the manner described.

Conventionally, once main power is removed, the system configurationinformation is erased and needs to be set all over again upon power-up.To avoid the chore typically requires storing the existing systemconfiguration information in a non-volatile memory before removal ofpower. When power is restored, the system configuration information isretrieved from the non-volatile memory.

However, to store system configuration information in unmodified formatnecessarily involves accommodating a large quantity of information,which is costly. By contrast, the embodiment of the invention utilizesthe above-mentioned SIP scheme to minimize the amount of systemconfiguration information to be stored in the non-volatile memory. TheSIP-based information storage involves not storing the systemconfiguration information as is but retaining pointers to thatinformation. This reduces the amount of information to be actuallystored while ensuring the same benefits of information storage asbefore.

With the reduced quantity of information required to be stored andcontrolled, there is no need to furnish a dedicated non-volatile memoryfor accommodating system configuration information. A partial area in achannel-selection non-volatile memory originally furnished in the TV setand like apparatuses is sufficient for storing the pointers.

Under the inventive scheme, control information about the non-volatilememory, e.g., information about whether the memory is set or has yet tobe set, is limited. It follows that a relatively simple procedure neededonly be used to manage the memory control information.

FIG. 14 is a flowchart of steps for dealing with the transition frommain power-off to main power-on status. If the SIP of the AV center hasyet to be set ("YES" in step S81), the micro controller for D2Bcommunication protocol performs the steps for setting the systemconfiguration (step S82) before reaching the main processing.

If the SIP of the AV center is already set, the micro controller for D2Bcommunication protocol checks to determine if the information denotes apredetermined system configuration composed of the SIP and IHP (stepS83). If the result of the check in step S83 is affirmative, the systemconfiguration information based on the SIP and IHP is prepared in theRAM (step S84). (If the configuration includes a sub AV center, themicro controller of the AV center reads the SIP and IHP from the sub AVcenter so as to develop the system configuration information about thesub AV center in the RAM area of the AV center.) Thereafter, the mainprocessing is reached.

If the system configuration information does not denote anypredetermined system configuration composed of the SIP and IHP ("NO" instep S83), the micro controller prepares system configurationinformation according to the difference information between thepredetermined system configuration information based on the SIP and IHPand the user-requested system configuration (step S85). The microcontroller then goes to the main processing.

How the SIP and IHP are used will now be described. The use of the IHPis one way to implement an actual system configuration with minimum SIPdefinitions. For example, combining a number higher than, say, 101 withthe IHP eliminates the need for defining the SIP for a number lower than100.

The use of SIP-IHP combinations makes it possible to substitute"SIP+IHP" settings representing large system configurations for thesettings of system configurations with plugs fewer than those of thedefault SIP patterns. As a result, a relatively small amount of a ROMdata table is needed for accommodating predetermined systemconfiguration information. It should be noted that a non-volatile RAMfor the IHP is required in this setup. With the IHP, up to 8 plugs maybe subjected to ON/OFF control using a single byte. Thus 4 bytes areneeded to deal with the SIP and IHP settings of the AV center and thesub AV center. If the total number of plugs for the two centers is 8 orless, a three-byte memory area is sufficient.

FIG. 15 depicts how the SIP and IHP settings are typically used. In thisexample, SIP No. 9 involves a TV set (with 4 plugs), a VTR 1 (P1), a VTR2 (P2), a VTR 3 (P3) and an LDP (P4) combined with IHP settings.

What follows is a description of how more complicated systemconfigurations are controlled using relatively simple control data undera scheme where the sub AV center and the AV center divide their tasksappropriately:

Suppose that the address of the AV center is fixed to a unique addressof, say, 1C8H in the system; if there is one sub AV center, its addressis set for 1C9H; if there are two sub AV centers, their addresses areset for 1C9H and 1CAH; and if there are three sub AV centers, theiraddresses are set for 1C9H, 1CAH and 1CBH. Each sub AV center supportsonly the apparatuses directly connected thereto. Specifically, each subAV center stores its system configuration information about theapparatuses directly connected thereto by use of SIP and IHP settings.

Each sub AV center possesses its own means for making the SIP and IHPsettings. In some cases, the AV center may set the system configurationfor the sub AV center(s) connected downwards thereof. In such cases, thesystem configuration information for the sub AV center may betransmitted thereto for storage from the AV center.

How to switch from the AV center to a sub AV center and vice versa willnow be described. A TV set or like apparatus may be defined as the AVcenter having address 1C8H (defining the AV center). This requires theAV center candidate as a precondition to possess capabilities allowingthe user to set the address thereof. Illustratively, a TV set or likeapparatus may have its address defined either for stand-alone use (e.g.,100H, . . . 107H) or for use as the AV center (with address 1CSH). Ifthe user defines a TV set as the AV center, it is necessary for the TVset to accommodate the system configuration information.

It may happen that an AV center already exists in the system when theuser defines a TV set as a new AV center (e.g., the AV amplifier isalready set as the AV center, on condition that the bus signal lines areconnected). In that case, an on-screen warning indication appears on theTV set (which the user has tried to set as the AV center). Afterrecognizing the warning, the user sets this apparatus (i.e., TV set) asthe new AV center anyway. The process redefines the existing AV centeras a sub AV center. At this point, a check is made using the SIP/IHPsettings to see if the apparatuses connected to the sub AV center arefurnished on a single layer (i.e., connected directly). Specifically,the new AV center transmits to the apparatus with address 1C8H (e.g., AVamplifier) a command instructing it to become a sub AV center havinganother address. Thereafter, the new AV center changes its address to1C8H.

Another check is made to see if the old AV center has address 1C9H. Ifthe address has yet to be used, that address is used as that of the subAV center (e.g., AV amplifier). If address 1C9H is already used, thenext higher address (1CAH) is reached and a check is made to determineif the incremented address is already used. (The address is incrementedby 1 starting from 1C9H. With addresses up to 1CFH, a total of 7 sub AVcenters may be defined in the system.)

FIGS. 16(A) and 16(B) are flowchart of steps for setting the AV centerin another way. Initially, the micro controller for D2B communicationprotocol of the apparatus in question displays a menu or messages askingthe user if the apparatus is desired to be set as the AV center of thesystem (step S91). If the user responds in the negative, the microcontroller of the apparatus in question terminates its processing.

If the user responds in the affirmative in step S91 to set the apparatusas the AV center, the micro controller of the apparatus in questionchecks to determine if there already exists the AV center in the system(step S92). Specifically, the micro controller for D2B communicationprotocol transmits a dummy command to address 1C8H (i.e., the address ofthe AV center) to determine if there occurs a transmission error. If thetransmission error does occur, that confirms the absence of any other AVcenter in the system.

When the absence of the AV center is verified ("YES" in step S93), themicro controller of the apparatus in question sets its address for 1C8Hso as to turn it into the AV center (step S94). The micro controller forD2B communication protocol then checks to determine if there is any subAV center in the system (step S95). If the presence of a sub AV centeris detected, the micro controller of the AV center (i.e., the apparatusin question) preserves the information about the sub AV center for usein setting a system configuration (step S96).

If the AV center is found to exist already in step S93, the microcontroller transmits to the existing AV center (with address 1C8H) acommand instructing it to become a sub AV center (having address 1C9H)in step S97.

The micro controller for D2B communication protocol of the apparatushaving received the command checks internally to determine if theapparatus is connected on the first layer alone. If the result of thecheck is affirmative, the apparatus is defined internally as a sub AVcenter. Another check is made to determine if address 1C9H is alreadyused (step S98). If address 1C9H has yet to be used ("NO" in step S99),that address is utilized as that of the sub AV center (step S100); ifaddress 1C9H is already used ("YES" in step S99), the lowest of theunused addresses up to 1CFH is utilized as the address of the sub AVcenter (step S101). The address thus established is transmitted to theAV center, with completion of the system configuration setting alsoreported thereto (step S102).

Below is a description of how a system configuration is typically set(automatically in part). Suppose that one TV set and two VTR's exist andthat the user designates these apparatuses on the initial system settingscreen. In that case, the micro controller for D2B communicationprotocol of the AV center selects a system configuration "SIP NO.=106"and transmits a dummy command to addresses 1C9H, 1CAH, . . . 1CFH todetermine if any sub AV center is configured. When the micro controllerof the AV center verifies the presence of a sub AV center, the microcontroller sets a mask bit in the IHP for the flag of that sub AVcenter.

When the micro controller for D2B communication protocol selects thesystem configuration "SIP NO.=109," those apparatuses not actuallyconnected are also assigned. All supposedly configured apparatusesreceive a certain command (e.g., inquiry command) each according to theSIP setting. Transmitting the command to any nonexisting apparatusresults in a transmission error which confirms the absence of thatapparatus.

The micro controller for D2B communication protocol of the AV centerthen transmits a dummy command to addresses 1C9H, 1CAH, . . . 1CFH todetermine if any sub AV center is connected. If the presence of a sub AVcenter is verified, a mask bit is set in the IHP setting of the AVcenter for the flag of that sub AV center.

With the SIP number left unchanged, the information about theunconnected apparatuses is then stored in memory. The SIP number and theunconnected apparatus information are used for system configurationcontrol. Ideally, the unconnected apparatus information should beaccommodated in one byte. This is because the non-volatile memory forstoring channel selection information may be utilized to accommodate theSIP number and the unconnected apparatus information if they combine totake up two bytes only.

Where the single byte arrangement is sufficient to deal with simplesystem configurations, up to 8 plugs may be controlled for use andnonuse. That is, if the AV center has a maximum of 8 plugs, the singlebyte memory portion may be used to inhibit some of those plugs of the AVcenter which are designated by the SIP, even if the SIP setting issomewhat larger than usual.

System checks may be performed in response to an on-screen display menuafter the setting of the SIP number. Alternatively, with the SIPselected, a check may be made to determine if the apparatuses configuredare actually connected to the bus. It should be noted that whether ornot the AV signal lines are properly connected to the plugs cannot beverified with these checks. The plug connections are confirmedillustratively by having a video signal from the reproducing apparatuschecked using the pin P.

Of the accompanying drawings, FIGS. 17 through 20 are views showingexamples of SIP settings; FIGS. 21 through 26 are views of typical AVsystem configurations; and FIGS. 27 through 30 are views depicting otherexamples of SIP settings.

Although the examples given above deal primarily with AV systems, theinvention is not limited thereto. The invention may also be applied tocommunication systems for use on board such transportation equipment asaircraft, vehicles, electric trains, ships and buses; to personalcomputer communication systems; to systems that combine the personalcomputer with AV apparatuses; to systems for controlling remotelylocated devices using modems (over telephone lines or by radio); and toother diverse systems.

To recapitulate the description above, one benefit of the invention isas follows: when one of a plurality of AV apparatuses is set as the AVcenter and at least one of the remaining apparatuses as a sub AV center,the invention allows the apparatuses of the audio group and those of thevideo group to be interconnected and to function normally as a systemunder the AV center.

Another benefit of the invention derives from the fact that in thepresent AV system, the newly designated AV center issues a command tothe existing AV center instructing it to become a sub AV center. Thatis, when a new system is to be configured, only the apparatus desired tobe used as the new AV center needs to be set up.

A further benefit of the invention lies in the fact that the AV centerof the present AV system perceives the entire system configuration usingpointers to the ways in which to connect the component AV apparatuses,and that each sub AV center perceives its own configuration usingpointers to the AV apparatuses directly connected to that sub AV center.This makes it possible, by use of only a small amount of memorycapacity, to continue carrying out the features of the old system evenafter the new system configuration comes into effect.

An even further benefit of the invention stems from the fact that eachsub AV center is allowed to ask the AV center to make the connections itneeds; each sub AV center need only have information about theapparatuses directly connected thereto. The arrangement makes itpossible to execute the features of a given apparatus without the sub AVcenter having to possess information about the entire systemconfiguration.

As many apparently different embodiments of this invention may be madewithout departing from the spirit and scope thereof, it is to beunderstood that the invention is not limited to the specific embodimentsthereof except as defined in the appended claims.

What is claimed is:
 1. A method of avoiding a conflict of respectivecontrollers of a plurality of apparatuses connected to a system bus linewhich form a system, each controller controlling interaction, includingconnection and communication, of the corresponding apparatus with otherapparatuses in the system, comprising the steps of:querying a userwhether a target apparatus is to be set as a master apparatus of thesystem which monitors information of existing system configuration andcontrols the system configuration according to input from the user, theinformation of the existing system configuration, and information ofpredetermined available system configurations, the querying beingcontrolled by a controller of the target apparatus, and the query beingstored in a storage means of the target apparatus and being displayed bya display means of the target apparatus; receiving an answer to thequery from the user by an input means of the target apparatus;determining whether the answer to the query is negative and if so,setting the target apparatus as a sub master apparatus in the systemwhich monitors information of connection of other apparatuses to the submaster apparatus and controls communication between the master apparatusand the other apparatuses connected to the sub master apparatus, thedetermining and setting being controlled by the controller of the targetapparatus; and determining whether the answer to the query isaffirmative and if so, executing a checking procedure to verify apresence of any other master apparatus by obtaining a response on thesystem bus line from the other master apparatus, the determining and theexecuting being controlled by the controller of the target apparatus. 2.A method of avoiding a conflict of controllers as claimed in claim 1,wherein the checking procedure includes the steps of sending a dummycommand on the system bus line to a predetermined address assigned toevery master apparatus and checking for an occurrence of a transmissionerror as manifested by an absence of a response from an apparatus at thepredetermined address, the sending and the checking being controlled bythe controller of the target apparatus.
 3. A method of avoiding aconflict of controllers as claimed in claim 2, further comprising thesteps of:checking for any sub master apparatus if the checking procedureverifies a presence of another master apparatus, the checking includingthe steps of sending the dummy command on the system bus line to asecond predetermined address and checking for a response from anapparatus at the second predetermined address, the sending and thechecking being controlled by the controller of the target apparatus; andsetting the target apparatus as a master apparatus if the checkingprocedure fails to verify the presence of another master apparatus.
 4. Amethod of avoiding a conflict of controllers as claimed in claim 1,further comprising the steps of:requesting the user to input a desiredsystem configuration if the checking procedure fails to verify thepresence of another master apparatus; generating system configurationinformation, difference information, and/or inhibit plug informationbased on the desired system configuration input by the user, thedifference information being a difference between the desired systemconfiguration and one of a plurality of predetermined systemconfigurations; setting an address of the target apparatus as that of amaster apparatus; determining a presence of any sub master apparatus;and amending the system configuration information using information froma responding sub master apparatus.
 5. A method of avoiding a conflict ofcontrollers as claimed in claim 4, wherein the step of determining thepresence of any sub master apparatus includes the steps of sending adummy command on the system bus line to a predetermined address assignedto sub master apparatuses and checking for an occurrence of atransmission error as manifested by an absence of a response from anapparatus at the predetermined address.
 6. A method of avoiding aconflict of controllers as claimed in claim 2, wherein the predeterminedaddress is 1C8 in hexadecimal.
 7. A method of avoiding a conflict ofcontrollers as claimed in claim 5, wherein the predetermined address isany one of addresses 1C9 through 1CF in hexadecimal.
 8. A method ofavoiding a conflict of controllers as claimed in claim 1, furthercomprising the steps of:requesting the user to input a type and a numberof apparatuses to be connected to the target apparatus after setting thetarget apparatus as a sub master apparatus; receiving from the userinformation of the type and the number of apparatuses to be connected tothe target apparatus; selecting a system information pointer, theselecting being controlled by the controller of the target apparatusaccording to the information received from the user; setting bits of aninhibit plug pointer which correspond to unused plugs of the targetapparatus, the setting being controlled by the controller of the targetapparatus according to the information received from the user; supplyingguide information to assist the user to connect audio video lines, theguide information being determined by the controller of the targetapparatus according to the information received from the user; andchecking the system configuration to determine whether the connecting ofthe audio video lines is consistent with the information received fromthe user.